Chapter 1: The Mysterious Man

Serena P. O. V

Fuck you, Jason.

I raised my hands high to the beat of the EDM music that filled my ears. The influence of alcohol is enough to make me forget about the problems that led me to run away to Monaco.

Today, it's exactly two hundred days since my relationship with Jason ended. My friends took me to Monaco to celebrate 'Two Hundred Days Without That Jerk Jason'. 

I can live without Jason. On second thought, he wasn't worth crying over. Even though I spent sixty days crying and shutting myself in my room. Jason not only broke my heart, but also made me doubt that there are good men in this world.

On paper, Jason met all the criteria my parents wanted in a son-in-law. Jason strengthened my strained relationship with my parents and made it more amicable. He may not be the most handsome man I've ever known. Jason compensated for his physical shortcomings by excelling in other areas.

Jason was very polite. He could melt the heart of Mr. General of the Air Force, aka my father, with his manners. Papa stated that there are a few young people today who have good manners. Jason is the exception to the rule.

During the two years we dated, Jason truly treated me like a queen.

Until finally, Jason broke my trust.

I shook my head quickly, pushing the image of that bastard Jason out of my mind. It's the two-hundredth day. I've promised not to cry over him anymore.

Starting tomorrow, I will move on. Eloise and Renesmee helped me make a list to move on from that asshole. The first point was to resign from the office, so I wouldn't see my ex's face again. By distancing myself from Jason, I'm sure I can get over him faster.

Second, a vacation to Monaco. Eloise and Renesmee forced me to leave the house we shared. I couldn't refuse, because they were forcing me to forget Jason. 

In Monaco, I also made a list of what I wanted to do. How long had it been since I'd really thought about what I wanted to do to pamper myself?

“Serena, we're in Monaco. Come on… get rid of that sad face.” Eloise brutally shook my shoulder with an obnoxious laugh. I nearly tripped because wearing high heels while intoxicated is not advisable.

“The tattoo still hurts on my skin.” I hissed softly while rubbing my chest.

Eloise's laughter hardened, and her eyes glanced at my chest. I wore a stylish strapless lace up corset mini dress to my 200 days of being a single party. The dress beautifully highlighted my neck and shoulders. This was Renesmee's idea, since I had to show off the tattoos I got this afternoon.

Getting a tattoo is one of the 101 ways to forget Jason. I want to feel sexy and make Jason regret dumping me, regardless of the benefits.

“Anyway, please note the second list.” Renesmee approached me with a satisfied laugh. “I deliberately brought you here, so you could get a new guy.”

Renesmee met the billionaire while sunbathing on the beach in Monaco. After that flirting session, they became close, and he told her that he was throwing a party at his villa. Renesmee agreed, expecting high-class guys at the party. That's how I ended up at this party.

I can't deny that this party was quite fun. I reduced my alcohol tolerance to savor the free vintage drinks. Renesmee's instincts were not wrong. Many handsome men enjoyed a lavish shirtless party at the Monaco Billionaire's villa.

However, I wasn't desiring flirting. It wasn't that I was still thinking about Jason, but I wasn't ready to get involved in a new relationship.

I danced to the music while Eloise and Renesmee tried to distract me with potential rebounds. 

Deep in my heart, I'm not looking for someone new.

And… I licked my saliva.

I was grabbing a drink at the bar counter when my eyes fell on a man who didn't seem to care about his surroundings. He wasn't dancing and wasn't even looking around. Ever since I noticed, he hadn't touched the drink in front of him.

Deliberately, I lingered at the bar counter. From this place, I could study him clearly. I was sure that wherever he was, he would definitely attract women. Tonight alone, there were many women who approached him, but they only got a faint smile in return.

Everyone who comes to this party has one goal, and that's to escape from trouble. Isn't that the essence of a party? For a moment, forget the problems of real life. Alcohol and music, perhaps followed by make out, make problems seem so far away.

This man must be running away from trouble.

He looked away. It was too late to dodge because he caught me studying him. Already wet, I waved at him. Just like the other women who tried to approach him, he also gave me a faint smile.

I never approach men at bars, clubs, or similar places. Actually, I'm not a party girl. People misunderstand me and think I'm a party girl, but I'd rather be at home watching anime. My wibu side, which not many people know except Jason. According to him, my hobby of watching anime actually makes me look special. It was our similarities that made him approach me. Plus, we were office colleagues, so the approach went smoothly.

In fact, the approach clouded my common sense and made me unable to see who Jason really was.

The strange man had my attention. I grabbed a glass of beer and approached him. Without asking permission, I took up the couch next to him. 

“Hi,” I greeted him with a cheerful smile.

From this close distance, I could see him intently. He had a handsome face that seemed cold. I didn't cover up when I looked at his body intently.

Damn him! He has a nice body. Body from intense workouts at the gym. He's the only guy here who isn't shirtless. People would feel embarrassed if he revealed what he was hiding under his black shirt by taking it off. From my observations, I'm sure he has tantalizing abs.

Very different from Jason. How could I be blindly in love with my ex? I'm sure in another year, Jason will have a beer belly like an alcoholic middle-aged man.

“My name is Serena.” I extended my hand and half-screamed over the deafening music.

He looked at my outstretched hand before replying. “Leopold.”

Leopold… Leopold… Leopold. I repeated the name repeatedly, silently. It's a unique name, but it suits his mysterious-looking figure. 

“So, what's your problem?” I asked, while looking at him without blinking. 

Leopold looked at me with a furrowed brow.

I laughed lightly. “People who come here must have a problem. Take me, for example. I'm here to celebrate 200 days since my ex-boyfriend ended our two-year relationship.”

It etched a smile on his full lips. 

“So, what's your problem, Mr. Leopold?” I asked again as I leaned back against the sofa. A faint smirk spread across my lips as I caught his blue eyes gazing down at my exposed thighs.

He shrugged, indifferent. “Nothing special.”

I pointed at the crowd dancing in the backyard of the villa. “Does anyone know?”

Leopold nodded briefly. “My business partner. But I don't know where he is now.”

My blood rushed at his words. His voice sounded heavy, sexy, and raspy when he spoke longer sentences.

“I came here at the invitation of my best friend. She knows the Billionaire guy who owns this party. Luckily, the party was pretty fun.” I fiddled with my wineglass with a soft chuckle.

“Yeah, not my type.” Leopold snorted softly before taking a sip of whiskey.

I turned my body to face him. His Adam's apple rose and fell slowly, making me hold my breath. He's so hot. “So, what's your type?”

He looked at me from behind his lush lashes. His wet, red lips smirked before answering my question. “Music type or girl type?”

He trapped me.

I put my wineglass down as I relaxed myself. “Both.” 

He laughed softly, showing his rows of neat teeth. “Nothing in particular. How old are you?”

His question made me flinch. I tilted my head to the right to examine him. The lighting in this area was quite dim, so I couldn't clearly catch the age of his actual figure.

“I'm twenty-three years old this year. Why?” I asked, while flashing a small smile.

Once again, a smile appeared on his sexy lips. “Well, you're too young. So, you're not my type.” 

“What the hell…”